Vleeta with bacon and Graviera cheese

In Greece Vleeta falls under the category of Chorta which means “weeds”. Botanically it is Amaranth. It is served a lot in Greek cuisine. It is especially healthy as it contains a lot of bitter components. Not everybody likes the bitter taste the plant has once it is boiled. This taste can be helped with adding some bacon and Graviera cheese.

The dish can also be prepared with the green bits of the beet root.

Wash the Vleeta and boil it in some water for 3 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile dice the onion and fry it with some olive oil. after 5 minutes add the minced garlic. Fry for a minute or two. Now add the Vleeta and stir well.

Fry some bacon in a second pan until crusty.

Dice the cheese and add to the Vleeta. Reduce the heat and melt the cheese. Season with salt, pepper and some drops of lemon juice.

Add the crispy bacon and serve.